Yang Kangqi from China has been named best speaker in the English-Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition 2022.
Following six thrilling and extremely competitive heats involving 32 participants and 18 judges, the grand final of this year’s International Public Speaking Competition took place on Friday, 13 May with the six winners addressing the concept that ‘We expect too much from our heroes.’
With hundreds from all over the world watching the livestream, Kelly Zeng from Canada, Elena-Alexandra Rad from Romania, Quinten Jakobs from The Netherlands, Leon Jankov from Brazil and Ching Ho Lau from Hong Kong all gave excellent performances but, ultimately, the judges selected Yang Kangqi from China as the overall winner.
Gavin Illsley, Head of Programmes at the ESU said, ‘The standard of the competition was excellent and the speeches by the finalists were truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to be able to provide this platform so that young people around the world can express themselves and engage with people from other cultures and view points in a way that is often impossible in everyday life.’
The International Public Speaking Competition is at the heart of the English-Speaking Union’s mission, bringing together oracy, cultural exchange and a hefty dose of friendly rivalry. The competition brings together the best young speakers from all over the world for a week of cultural exchange and public speaking contests (online this year). Established in 1980, it now reaches over one million young people, showcasing the highest standard of public speaking, while giving delegates an opportunity to meet and engage with other young people of different backgrounds and nationalities.
Finalists (national winners of the English-Speaking Union’s or other public speaking competitions in their country) must write and deliver a speech connected with the theme for the year’s competition.
